The Courtier

I

Nazeir ate a loaf of bread while watching the sun rise, Jurko as usual was at the wheel of the ship. The old inquisitor let go of the wheel and raised his hand. Nazeir tossed the old man a loaf of bread from their lunchbox, the two of them eating breakfast.

Nazeir took out a teapot and took out the two papers that were in his pocket.

"Jurko! Want some coffee?"

"Sure, don't be too thick."

Nazeir placed a large brick on the floor of the ship. On it, he put one of the two papers in his hand. He opened the paper and recited a spell. The fire came out of the paper without burning the paper from which it was ignited. He took a teapot and with the paper he was holding, fresh water flowed from it. In his gloves, he gripped the coffee grounds and threw them into the water. He sat down and waited for the coffee to boil.

The mouth of the teapot began to whistle, hot steam escaping loudly. The aroma of coffee can be smelled by both inquisitors. Nazeir lifted the teapot and closed the paper without fear of burning. He poured the coffee in two small glasses that were ready to use, steam coming out of the glasses. Jurko came with half-finished bread he ate. The inquisitor handed the old man his glass. Nazeir showed as he drowned his bread in coffee, then the old inquisitor followed suit. They ate the bread which was soft and moist. With dry mouths, they drank hot coffee in the morning.

"This is good, isn't it?"

"Good, Nazeir. You're good at this."

"I'm not a glutton or a great cook. But I know when something good comes along."

A second after he spoke, there was a resounding scream breaking the peace.

"Help!" shouted the voice.

The two of them stood, looking out at the empty sea.

"You heard that?"

"Yes. As if someone asked for-"

"Help!" the screams started to get louder.

"There!" Jurko pointed towards the front of the ship.

Nazeir took his small binoculars from his pocket and saw what he had just shouted.

"Sirens!"

Jurko took the binoculars and saw a large ship rocked in the middle of the sea. Dozens of sirens circled a mast, where a young man was trapped by the sea creature.

Jurko started to run to the ship's wheel and steered their boat towards the ship. This smaller ship began to approach the larger rocked ship. Before long, their ships lined up right with each other. Nazeir jumped across, climbed up the web of the ship trying to reach onto the deck.

"Jurko! Keep sailing!" Nazeir shouted.

Jurko's ship slowly sailed, trying not to leave the two people on the big ship.

Climbing the deck, Nazeir saw the dozens of sirens filling the ship. He glanced up, saw the young man screaming for help in the crow's nest.

The inquisitor pulled out his sword, and began to cut his way to the crow's nest. When he arrived below the tall mast, he drew a symbol on the pedestal. The inquisitor began to climb the mast, and pulled down the siren in its path, who were trying to reach the man on top. When he reached the end of the pole, he looked at the man with a frightened face.

"I hope you're brave enough to fall from a height,"

"Fall from-"

Nazeir snapped his fingers, and the pillar began to crumble from a small explosion from the pedestal. The man screamed loudly and their mast collapsed right in front of the inquisitor's boat. The two of them jumped in and landed hard on the ship. The man was lying on his back, coughing and exhausted.

Nazeir looked at the old inquisitor. He stood on the edge of the ship and threw a pebble at the ship. Before long, another large explosion damaged the ship, killing the sirens on board. The pieces of wood flew high and fell down around the ship. They all saw the ship disappearing in the sea.

"What happened?"

"Damned creatures suddenly came out, hurtling high into the sky from below the sea. Boarded the ship and killed them all. I tried to help the others, but there were too many."

Jurko came, saw the young man who was talking to Nazeir.

"What's your name, where are you going?"

The man stood up and patted clean his elegant dress, decorated with beautiful stitches. He gave a bow to the two inquisitors.

"My name is Kozsack, a man from the north like you. I am here on an invitation from Raja Djaya of Hukoleen," the man straightened up. "Thanks to your help, my life was saved from that sea demon. However, my belongings and gifts sank with that ship," his smile disappeared with shame. "I guess it's better to be lost rather than my life sinking with it."

The two inquisitors just stared at each other behind the man's back.

"Do you believe what he says?" whispered Nazeir clearly looking suspicious of the man.

"Just a few," Jurko was doubtful.

The two men nodded.

"Welcome to our ship, Kozsack," Jurko thought about what he would say next. "We are on our way to Hukoleen. Our condolences to you and your crew, the sea is certainly dangerous. However, you are now safe. We hope."

"Nice to meet you, gentlemen. Sorry, but who am I talking to?"

"My name is Jurko, and he is Nazeir."

"Then, I thanked you sir Jurko and sir Nazeir. You see, the Raja will have me as his courtier a few days from now. I am in a race against time. If I am late, maybe I won't be a courtier at all. Maybe... you can make this ship go a little bit faster."

"This is the fastest."

"Wha-" the man was dumbfounded. "How is that possible? Even my big ship can exceed the speed of this much smaller ship. Shouldn't the small ship be faster than the...big...ship?" His voice sounded doubtful, wondering if what he said was correct.

"We're talking speed. We have to know the size of the ship, the sea breeze that directs the sails, and also the load. It is clear, your ship is bigger than this ship and with a large sail. The comparison of your ship with mine is that your ship is easier to move faster. This ship is small, the comparison is still your ship which has a stronger wind pulling force."

"But this is a mess! What if I'm late?"

"After all, this is the truth. I wish you good luck here."

His shoulders dropped, he sat leaning on a sack of wheat.

"Fine," he pouted. "I guess the important thing is that I can still come to the King's call."

While the young man was sitting on the ship's floor, Jurko was whispering with Nazeir.

"Try to get to know him. He might be useful."

The inquisitor nodded.

II

Nazeir sat beside him, trying to get him to talk.

"Don't worry, we'll be in Hukoleen at least tonight."

"It soothes my heart to hear that. Tonight... yes."

"Everything is alright, correct? Calm down, you'll be the courtier in the end."

"You know- Can I call you Nazeir?"

"Whatever, which one is convenient."

"Fine. Nazeir. This is the first time I will hold such a high position in a kingdom. Honestly, I'm a little nervous. And this just wasn't when I stood before the king."

"You can do it, Kozsack. Think about your past life before this."

"That's the problem. I've never seen a king, Nazeir."

"What did you do before?"

"I am a painter, a patron of the arts. And this is a different matter. Being a courtier of the royal arts makes my hands tremble," he raised his trembling hands.

"No," Nazeir lowered the man's arm. "You're just in shock from the attack, not a big deal."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"As sure as you can think. Take a breath, relax."

"Okay..." he breathed. "Fine. Calm down, Kozsack. You're a painter! It's no different to paint a king than anyone else."

"Good, take a deep breath. Everything will make sense later."

"Thank you, Nazeir. I owe you. Of course after what happened on that ship. This debt is huge."

"It's nothing. Of course saving a patron of art is something I have to do. This guy certainly appreciates art," Nazeir pointed to himself.

"You? Interested in art?"

"More or less. Depends on what technique we're talking about."

"Speak, Nazeir. I am also interested in various kinds of art. It doesn't end with painting, the world is full of all kinds of beautiful things. A lot of people don't know this. And I'm just amazed by people like you who love art. Which leads me to this, if you don't mind this art buff asking."

"I'm not often questioned by people. My life is quite average, but ask what's on your mind."

"That's exactly what I wanted to ask. Your life, what do you do to earn money. Surely we can see that you are skilled with the art of the sword, not afraid to throw yourself at hordes of demonic creatures. I would guess that you are a warrior from one of the northern kingdoms? And that's great. What's even more amazing is that you love art. It's rare for northerners to like that.

They often talk and fight. Something I said doesn't suit someone like me. Especially with those sorcerers. I'm quite stressed about their views on art. Says that 'art is only magic'. I hope Ukodottir doesn't help those people," Kozsack spat into the sea.

"You're right about something, right on the sorcerers side. And I'm not a warrior but a mercenary, and we're being paid for by someone in Hukoleen."

"Nonsense. And you just said your life is normal. Then... where are your soldiers?"

"We are paid for different things, not for war. At least not for war with humans, more for the creatures we meet on your ship."

"You are a demon hunter!" exclaimed Kozsack. "I saw some people like you in some taverns in the north. Disgusting people, uncomfortable to look at or sit side by side," the young man immediately jumped back to talk. "I'm not saying that you and your comrades are unsightly people, but I'm speaking from experience that demon hunters don't keep themselves clean."

"And what about me?" Nazeir looked at his armor, looking for dirt.

"This is amazing, Nazeir. You're clean as I can see. Much cleaner! There's no pungent smell, your face isn't too dry. Your teeth look so clean!" the young man raised his voice. "By God those teeth are so clean! Like, you live by brushing your teeth every day."

"Thank you. I'm flattered by that, rare to hear that."

"Of course, we art lovers must understand each other. Even though we have different professions, art has no boundaries."

"I agree with that," Nazeir stood up and took the teapot he had cooked earlier. Poured coffee in an empty glass and gave it along with the bread he tore in half. The young painter just gave a thank you smile.

Nazeir walked over to the old inquisitor who was steering the ship. Jurko just looked at the front of the ship.

"What did he say."

"Painter, invited to the kingdom of King Djaya to become a court royal painter. Nervous, afraid of being wrong, he looks new to these things."

"Yeah, that's what I thought. He wasn't trying to help the crew on that ship. Painter, they weren't made that way. Not that I blame the young man, but that's just what I know from them."

"And want something even more exciting?"

"He doesn't like to eat porridge?"

"He hates sorcerers."

"I heard you two talking, but I misheard when he said he didn't like sorcerers," Jurko turned the ship's wheel when a small wave came. "Okay if that's what he says. Keep your eyes open, we don't know what he's going to do. I'm a little bummed with these big waves."

"Big waves," murmured the inquisitor. "Hopefully there won't be any more sirens on this cruise. Otherwise we'll have a burden," he glanced at Kozsack, who was enjoying his bread and coffee.

III

He walked back and forth on the deck, waiting to reach Hukoleen. Nazeir stood at the end of the boat, putting one foot on his knees. He saw the dark sea in the night. He began to feel the water was quiet again after the waves that wanted to destroy the ship earlier.

Birds fly past their ships. Headed in the direction the ship was sailing. The inquisitor who saw that began to rush to prepare his things. He wore a belt, tied the scabbard and the dagger.

"What's wrong? Why are you wielding the sword, something's coming," Kozsack's heart began to feel insecure.

"That's right. Something's coming."

"Oh no, what is it!? Hopefully it's not that horrible creature anymore," he is shaking, looking right and left of the ships.

"No, Hukoleen came."

Nazeir took his binoculars and saw a large island decorated with lanterns lit in hundreds. A gigantic building illuminates the sea with a fire burning at its peak.

"Get ready to hook in the harbor, captain Jurko!"

The old inquisitor set sail for the island in the distance. After a while, their ship is lit by a lighthouse that directs them to the harbor. A small space for the inquisitors vessel had been given by the harbor guards who had gathered to help anchor the vessel in port.

A plank was laid down, making way for the three to walk to the harbor deck. The place is very spacious. The ships are neatly arranged, from the smallest to the largest, each has a place provided.

The young painter looked at the place that was bright in the dark. Before long, a man came with a book in his hand.

"Ship owner's name?"

"Jurko."

The man flipped through the pages of his book. And points to a section of the page.

"Master Jurko. Princess Tribuana was talking about your arrival..." the man glanced at Nazeir and Kozsack. "And it looks like you brought guests."

"Yeah, he-" Jurko pointed at the young man.

"I'm Kozsack from Moreau," the young man introduced himself. "I am here because of the king's invitation to become one of the royal courtiers."

"Kozsack?" The man flipped through the pages. "Here it is, the king's guest list. Kozsack of Mora-Morau-Moreau," the harbormaster is having a hard time reading the foreign word.

"That is me."

"Then, please wait a moment. There will be a carriage coming."

The young man pursed his lips with his eyebrows raised. The man called his friend in Hukoleener, spoke briefly from a distance.

"How about you?" the man looked at Nazeir.

"Nazeir of Nazair or Nasair."

"There's nothing like your name," the man flipped through the pages of his book. "Looks like this is your first time to Hukoleen."

"No, this is my second time here. Wait... or is it the third"

"Try to take your old book? Maybe his name is there," said Jurko.

"But this is the oldest book."

A horse-drawn carriage came, a soldier approached Kozsack.

"Master, Kozsack. Your carriage. You will be brought to your house."

"House?"

"Every courtier who does not own land in Hukoleen will be given a house, directly from the king."

Kozsack smiled widely, walking accompanied by the soldiers who approached him.

"See you later, gentlemen. Hope to see you again in the future," Kozsack went on his dashing stride.

The escort left the harbor, leaving the two inquisitor and the harbormaster who's questioning Nazeir.

"Okay, back with you again. Mr. Nazeir of Nasair."

"I know the King Djaya. I have met him since-" the inquisitor was silent for a moment. "Anyway, All you need to know is that I know him, personally."

"Is that true?" he looks doubtful. "Can master Jurko dare to say that he is right."

"He is right," the old inquisitor crossed his arms.

"Fine, if that's what you say," he spread his arms. "Welcome to Hukoleen." The man wrote in his book. "Your belongings will be kept safe until you return since this is the princess's word."

"When can we talk to her?" Jurko asked.

"Sorry, but I can't speak freely about this matter. However, I have told a courier to inform you of your arrival at the palace. Perhaps the princess didn't answer right away, so you can wait a bit."

Nazeir saw the dark sky covered by clouds.

"We seem to have plenty of time to do something first, Jurko."

"What do you want to do? Visit the local inn or-"

From a distance came a group of soldiers walking fast, in the middle there was a woman walking with her beige kebaya lifted. The dress exposed her shoulders and upper chest. Her warm olive skin made her clothes seem to blend in with hers.

The woman stopped in front of Jurko and Nazeir, greeted them with a smile.

"Master Jurko. We meet again."

"A promise is a promise."

She smiled, then raised his head to look at Nazeir.

"And who is this standing in front of me?"

"Nazeir of Nasair."

"Nazeir of Nasair?" The girl's eyes opened wide. "I know your name, dad used to tell me about you when you was in Hukoleen."

"Is that true?"

"Yes. You killed a dybbuk. At first I thought it was a sign from a god, but it turned out to be a lot different when you came."

"Sounds like you have a fan, Nazeir," Jurko said jokingly.

The woman snicker with her hands covering her mouth. "Okay, this place isn't the right place to talk. It's too public, so I beg you to follow me back to the palace."

"Sure, you first," said Jurko.

Nazeir looked at Jurko and shook his head. The old inquisitor can only hold his laugh.

IV

The two inquisitors walked into a small house far from the palace. The lanterns were lit in the house by the princess guards. The house looks old and clean at the same time.

In this small house there is a mattress in the left and right corners of the room, with a dining table and benches. The princess walked to the table, pulled out two stools for the inquisitors, then she sat down on her stool.

Princess Tribuana clapped her hands, and all the guard soldiers left the room leaving the princess in with the two inquisitors. Nazeir saw the soldier come out and closed the door quietly so that no sound was heard.

"I think this is a place of privacy. Makes me wonder what the princess wants from these two inquisitors? Why don't we have an audience with the king right away."

"That's the problem, masters. You see, my father was a superstitious man about religion. A good man, liked to help people in need. A man who became a symbol of kindness," the princess limited her words. "But lately he's been full of workloads. Falling sick, not strong enough to attend meetings with his people. Here I will play a role."

"Role, what role do you mean?" Nazeir's turn to ask.

"This… this is a taboo subject for a woman, excluding the queen of course. To replace the king who is absent from the royal court. The king's courtiers have made a bad choice, perhaps I could say that they are playing their power. And because of that, this meeting must be kept as a secret for the three of us. No one can know this. And of course, the royal courtiers."

"And what should we do? I hope you know that we are assassins by profession."

"Yes, yes. I know your skill in hunting vile creatures. But I will explain everything tomorrow, just as the sun is approaching overhead. Meet me at the palace, my servant will bring you to me."

"As you wish, princess."

"Excellent," she smiled as he stood up from the bench. "I'll be waiting for you, masters. Especially you, master Nazeir. Father speaks good things about you, I hope he's right," the princess stood right beside Nazeir's seat.

Nazeir stood with Jurko.

"I won't let you down."

The princess gave a smile before leaving their house.